Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Negotiators from the House and Senate are set to begin talks finalizing the stimulus bill at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon, Reuters reports. While a topline figure of $789 billion has apparently been agreed to in principle, the devil is in the details, and there's still time to speak up for investment in green transportation and livable streets.

Yesterday we posted the Senate negotiating team. Now we have the House side: Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI); Appropriations Ranking Member Jeff Lewis (R-CA); Ways & Means Chairman Charlie Rangel, (D-NY); Ways & Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI); Energy & Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA). You can look up contacts here.

One missing element in the Senate version of the bill is guaranteed funding for Transportation Enhancements -- a critical source of federal support for bike and pedestrian projects. The Thunderhead Alliance, a national bike advocacy group, is urging supporters to call their representatives and tell them the final bill should include Transportation Enhancements, like the House version.

New York City Streetsbloggers should call Rangel's DC and district offices -- (202) 225-4365 and (212) 663-3900 -- to drive the point home with a key negotiator.

Tips and talking points from Thunderhead posted after the jump:

When you make the calls (a total of two calls), tell the person who answers the phone the following message:

  • My name is ______ , I  live in New York, and I have a message for Representative Rangel about the economic recovery bill.
  • Please ask the Representative to support explicit funding for the Transportation Enhancements program in the final economic recovery bill, as provided for in the House bill.

The person answering the phone may ask for your contact information.  It is unlikely he or she will ask you any questions, but if so, please use the following talking points:

  • The Transportation Enhancements program will allow bicycle and pedestrian projects to be funded as part of the economic recovery -- which will create construction jobs, use construction materials, get local businesses working, and help Main Street economies.
  • Bicycle and pedestrian improvements give families healthy and affordable transportation options to access their workplaces, schools, and public transit. 
  • Better biking and walking options also help ensure greater energy independence, less pollution, and a healthier country.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

OPINION: Can Regional Governance Break New York Out of Its Constant State of Transit Emergency?

The New York region needs to fundamentally change the way it governs its transit system, our contributor writes.

December 20, 2024

Friday’s Headlines: ‘So, How Was Your Day?’ Edition

You didn't come here to find out about yesterday's crime news. Instead, here's the livable streets news!

December 20, 2024

Albany Should Use ‘Underutilized’ Transit Fund For LIRR, Metro-North Discounts: Report

An "underutilized" pot of state transportation funds could help lure more New York City residents onto the LIRR and Metro-North, according to a new report.

December 19, 2024

See It: The McGuinness Road Diet Works — But Only Where the City Installed It

The road diet works, exposing the need to extend it all the way.

December 19, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Snow and Tell Edition

The Sanitation Department is even better prepared for winter. Plus other news.

December 19, 2024
See all posts